The hallway was mercifully empty, and I moved quickly, keeping my head down and my steps quiet.
The South Gardens Of Alzahmer. That's where Kael was.
If I could just get to him and convince him I wasn't a lunatic, maybe. I'd have a chance to fix this mess.
Or, at least keep my neck intact.
Because, if Adrian falling for me was a revenge plot. Then, I could keep my neck by offering peace. Right?
As I reached the grand staircase, the distant sound of footsteps froze me in place.
Sh*t! Someone is coming.
I glanced around, spotting a conveniently placed statue and darting behind it. My small body and the darkness, making it easier for me to hide.
Two maids walked by, chatting in hushed tones.
"Did you hear? Prince Kael dismissed the matter entirely. Said Lady Evelina was just teasing him."
"Teasing? With a crossbow?" The other maid snorted. "If you ask me, the Duke should've let her rot in the dungeons. She's always been trouble since she was born."
"Careful," the first maid whispered. "You never know who's listening."
They disappeared down the hall, as I exhaled slowly. Why were maids up so late at night? I thought my only barrier to sneaking out would be high walls or guards.
Apart from that... I never wrote Kael as forgiving. He was supposed to be the character that killed people who even touched a strand of his hair except the heroine. He had a soft spot for the heroine only as the second female-lead.
But, Evelina? The villainess? Kael should have killed me on spot. How could he dismiss the matter? Am I missing something?
Just what happened before I wrote the story starting from the ball? A sigh passed my lips as a twinge of pain struck my head, making me re-focus on the task at hand.
I should hurry and sneak out from The Duskthrone Estate before I get caught.
South Gardens Of Alzahmer... That was obviously... Wait! Why can't I remember it? Where was it?
"Eve... Come soon..."
Pain clouded my senses as I tried to remember contents of the novel. That voice from the dream floated in my head, my vision blurring.
No... I can't faint. Please. Not yet.
The pain intensified, pounding at my skull like a damn drumbeat. The world spun around me, each breath sharp and labored. My legs wobbled beneath me, but I forced myself to stand.
God please...
My heart raced, beating in sync with the urgency flooding my veins.
What's happening?
"Eve… Come soon…"
The whisper lingered, like a forgotten memory I couldn't quite reach. But it wasn't just a voice. It felt… familiar. Almost too familiar. I gritted my teeth and shoved the sensation aside.
Focus. Focus, Evelina.
I staggered forward almost hitting my head on the statue. I clenched my fists, trying to fight the dizziness that threatened to let darkness consume me as where.
Where were The South Gardens? Think, you idiot.
I had to get to the South Gardens. That was where Kael was, I need to apologise. I need to see my baby...
"Get it together, Ji-eun," I muttered to myself, pushing through the fog in my head. "Stop thinking. Just breathe."
I moved forward, my steps swift, but every moment felt like it could be my last. The farther I walked, the more I realized how utterly ridiculous this entire situation was.
Why was I doing this?
I was Evelina, now. Did it matter if Kael misunderstood me? Why did I need to know why he forgave me?
I took another step, only to freeze in place as I heard it—the unmistakable sound of someone approaching.
Shit. Did someone find out I was trying to escape?
No...
I turned to the side, slipping behind another large statue. My heart hammered in my chest as I held my breath, listening for any sign of who it was.
WHAT THE F**K IS WRONG WITH THE PEOPLE OF THIS PLACE!? CAN'T THEY F**KING SLEEP AT NIGHT!?
Frustration rose to my throat as the footsteps grew louder, and a familiar figure finally emerged from the darker end of the hallway.
Blonde Hair. Hazel Eyes. The exact opposite of my baby Kael. The reason I died.
Prince Adrian.
"F**k..." I whispered under my breath, my body stiffening.
Please don't let him see me.
The bast**d was even more handsome in person than I'd imagined.
His blonde hair, those piercing green eyes, and the way he carried himself with the arrogance of someone who already knew he was destined to rule.
He wasn't just walking through the hallway. It felt as if he was searching for something.
And I suddenly felt very, very exposed.
Don't let him see me. Don't let him know I'm here.
I clutched onto the rough fabric, praying to whatever gods still cared about me that I wouldn't be caught.
What the f**k was this bast**d doing in the Dukedom anyway? Shouldn't he be in the palace preparing for the ball?
The bastard's footsteps grew closer, each one like a hammer pounding against my skull.
I swallowed hard, my breath shallow and uneven, trying to keep my panic from spilling out. The last thing I needed was Prince Adrian finding me like this... stumbling around like a damn fool.
God, please.
I peered around the statue from the other end, just enough to catch a glimpse of him. His emerald eyes were scanning the hallway with that damn look of superiority, his lips curled into a smirk that made my blood boil.
F**k, I hated him. He's like Wei. Both desperate to get me killed.
He wasn't supposed to be here. Not today. Not now. He had to be on his way to some stupid royal affair. But, what could the affair be?
And, why the hell was he in my path when I'm trying to sneak out!?
Adrian stopped, his gaze flicking over the hallway, lingering for a split second on my hiding spot. I tensed, but he didn't seem to notice in the darkness... at least not yet.
He ran a hand through his golden hair, his voice a soft drawl that almost made me want to puke.
"Hiding after trying to kill a member of royal family, Lady Evelina?"